When Hurricane Sandy descended upon New York on October 29, 2012, much of the city was shut down for days as the East River overflowed, flooding large parts of Lower Manhattan. A week later, some shops and bars cautiously began to reopen and Hanna ventured out to one of the only bars open in Soho – a spot where Jonathan happened to be, also. She observed as he chatted with a friend of hers, someone he also knew from high school. Spotting Hanna later in the evening, Jonathan struck up a conversation with her and got her number. “Even though we only talked for five minutes that night, we both went home and talked about meeting each other to our friends,” recalls Hanna. “We were really excited.”
Why did you choose the Brooklyn Botanic Garden for your wedding?
We wanted an outdoor ceremony in the NYC area and immediately fell in love with the venue when we saw it.
What do you think is most important to keep in mind when planning a wedding?
Not to sweat the small stuff! In the end, the only thing that matters is your love.
We were both just so happy and emotional, we didn't really pay attention to what we were supposed to be doing.
Hanna
What memory of each other on your wedding day stands out the most in your memory?
Our ceremony. We were both just so happy and emotional, we didn’t really pay attention to what we were supposed to be doing. we had a traditional Jewish ceremony, and ended up circling each other in the wrong direction. We’ll also always remember our vows since we wrote them ourselves.
Is there anything you'd do differently?
Hanna: Jonathan would have mentioned how beautiful I looked in our vows.
In the end, the only thing that matters is your love.
Hanna
When planning your wedding, did you learn anything about yourself or each other?
Yes – haha. Wedding planning is stressful. I think it was the first time we really dealt with family dynamics and stress together!
Which qualities do you most admire about one another?
Jonathan: I admire Hanna’s sense of self, strength, emotional depth, caring nature and sense of humor. All her various little passions from flowers to dogs and love of life.
Hanna: I admire Jonathan’s innate kindness, patience, selflessness, intelligence, emotional strength. No one can make me laugh like Jonathan. He’s just the best.
Do you have any advice for newlyweds?
Enjoy all your time just the two of you before you have kids!! Travel. Go out.
No one can make me laugh like Jonathan. He's just the best.
Hanna
Credits
- Second Shooter Virginie Carolina
- Planning By Yena Designs
- Cake & Catering Foremost Caterers
- Dress Mira Zwillinger, Mark Ingram Atelier
- Floral Design By Yena Designs
- Hair Jay Jackson Jr.
- Makeup Amanda Evans
- Lighting Lightworks Interactive
- Music New York City Swing
- Stationery Suite Paperie
- Venue Brooklyn Botanic Garden
